Concerns from residents over a proposed 18-storey apartment building in downtown Armstrong were met with reassurances from city council and the developer.
Eagle Eye Investments Inc. has applied for a zoning amendment bylaw which would change property at 3255 Okanagan Street from country residential to multi unit residential to build a three-storey, 18-unit apartment building with ground-level parking.
A public hearing on the application was held prior to a regular council meeting, in which mayor and council, along with developer Patrick Place, heard concerns from approximately 20 people in attendance and through written letters.
“I have no objection to the building of an apartment building on the northern portion of the property, provide the drainage is addressed in an appropriate manner,” said Donna Calver, who was concerned the amendment would include a section of marshy land behind her house.
“I strongly opposed any development of the marsh located behind Heritage Court due to the wildlife and the birds that call this home.”
Drainage and ecological impacts, along with the future of Okanagan Street, were concerns expressed during the 20-minute public hearing.
Place said that the property 100 feet north of Meighan Creek, toward the city, is going to be riparian area, as will everything south of the creek. He said negotiations are underway with the city to have that property dedicated as parkland.
“The trail that goes through there will then connect to Huculak Park and will be part of that whole park trail corridor,” said Place.
The flooding and drainage is a bigger issue, said Place, and must be addressed through other avenues, but dedicating it as parkland will maintain the property as wetland and greenspace habitat.
“The building is really at the spot at the north end of the property,” said Coun. Shirley Fowler. “Most of the marsh area and riparian area will stay in tact. It will be enhanced with Huculak Park.”
Resident Laurie Williams spoke in favour of the proposal.
“We need more housing units, especially in downtown,” said Williams. “This will create business and jobs and support the downtown.”
Council unanimously gave third reading to the zoning amendment bylaw, although Coun. Linda Werner was absent.